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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding ECG in Medical Terms
Introduction
Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) is a diagnostic test used to record the electrical activity of the heart. It helps doctors assess heart rhythm, detect abnormalities, and diagnose conditions such as arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and electrolyte imbalances.
How ECG Works
The heart generates electrical impulses which travel through specialized pathways, causing the heart muscles to contract and pump blood. An ECG machine captures these electrical signals via electrodes placed on the skin.
Components of an ECG
An ECG reading consists of several key components: - P wave: Represents atrial depolarization (contraction of the atria). - QRS complex: Indicates ventricular depolarization (contraction of the ventricles). - T wave: Represents ventricular repolarization (heart muscle recovery). - PR interval: The time taken for an impulse to travel from the atria to the ventricles. - ST segment: A flat section used to assess ischemia or infarction.
Common ECG Abnormalities
- Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats such as atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, or tachycardia.
- Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Changes in the ST segment and Q waves can indicate a heart attack.
- Electrolyte Imbalances: High or low potassium and calcium levels can alter ECG waveforms.
- Heart Block: A delay or failure in the electrical signal passing through the heart.
Conclusion
An ECG is a vital tool in cardiology, providing rapid and non-invasive assessment of heart function. If an ECG suggests abnormalities, further investigations such as echocardiography or blood tests may be required.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for ECG Interpretation
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/electrocardiogram-ecg-or-ekg
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.108.191095
- https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/affiliates/mwa/kansas-city/kc-cardiac-and-stroke-symposium/2020-event-documents/cardiac-presentations/2-ecg-hockstad.pdf?la=en
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.108.191098
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19281932/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on ECG Use
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/35/39/2733/853385
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-Coronary-Syndromes-ACS-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/40/2/87/5079120
- https://www.escardio.org/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.